History of Wushu Club USMKK

Wushu (also known as Kung Fu ) is one of the most popular martial art in the world. It is an invaluable heritage and had been practised in China for centuries.

                  Wushu / Kung Fu  is an art of making peace. Its purpose is not to harm anyone but to defend one's self. Through training in wushu , one can learn to be discipline and strong physically and mentally. The spirit of wushu can thus facilitate the formation of a community with high moral values that can contribute to the development and prosperity of our beloved country.

About 15 years ago in USMKK, Dr. Lee Yeong Yeh, Dr Liau Kai Ming and Dr Leow Voon Meng were quite interested with Wushu but no such activity in the USM campus. Luckily we have Mr Tang (Now Dr Tang) Thean Hock and Mr Ang (Now Dr Ang) Boon Suen ( current club advisor ) who were really good with Tai Ji (太极). They also have connection with sifu from KB. Knowing all the virtues of wushu, our USM students planned to form a Wushu Club that can bring benefit to all people in the campus, so that everyone can learn wushu. Before the foundation of Wushu Club, there were already 2 martial art club. However, the martial arts practised by these 2 clubs are different with that of wushu. This evoked the requirement to form Wushu Club; as to provide more choices to students in USMKK campus as well as to pave the way for future integration of martial arts in Malaysia.

              On 23rd March 1996, one official proposal on the formation of the Wushu Club was made to Prof. Dato (Dr) Mohd. Roslani b Abdul Majid, Director of USMKK health campus for the first time. The proposal was approved and the first AGM of the wushu club was held on 26th March 1996 to select the committee members. Dr. Lee Yeong Yeh was elected as the president by chance. Both Mr Tang and Mr Ang were our advisors until both left for their PhD.

Initially, Wushu Club hold wushu practice every friday but no 24 season drum yet. They also organised wushu exam for the beginners as well as Wushu night (copy from USM main campus). The club started to grow in numbers and with more money they manage to get the 24 season drums later on. In academic session 2000/2001, 24 seasons drum have been incorporated. The name of the club was firstly registered as 'USMKK Kung Fu Club'. It was then changed to 'USMKK Wushu Club' until today, due to the fact that the term 'Kungfu' has been associated by society to violence.

"So I am very happy that Wushu club can be the alternative to Buddhist society where the Non-Malays can mix without religion restrictions (our christian colleagues can also join). I am happy to see that 24 season drums are very popular in the campus. So lets hope the club will continue to grow and am sure Dr Liau will be a good advisor."    --   Dr Lee Yeong Yeh



(Adapted from Wushu Bulletin 08/09 1st edition and information from senior Tan Xiang Ning  )